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LaMarcus Aldridge: Top 5 Free Agency Destinations

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) before game four against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) before game four against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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LaMarcus Aldridge
Apr 1, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12), forward Nicolas Batum (88) and guard Damian Lillard (0) react after Lillard made a three point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Portland Trail Blazers

Last summer, Aldridge decided not to sign an extension to remain in Portland beyond this year. The reason? So he could earn a five-year, $109 million extension this summer from the Blazers. As a major reassurance to Rip City fans, Aldridge told The Oregonian that he was going to re-sign this summer because he wants to be “the best Blazer ever.”

A lot can change in a year’s time.

Last summer’s comments pretty much set it in stone that he’d be returning. But his comments over the last few weeks have left a lot of room for interpretation.

“Of course I love being here, and I’m thankful for everything the city has given me, thankful for my time here,” Aldridge told The Oregonian. “It’s been an amazing nine years and of course I’m not trying to make that end.”

LeBron James probably wasn’t trying to break the hearts of Cleveland Cavaliers fans when he left in 2010, but he did it anyway to find greener pastures. If Aldridge was really 100 percent dedicated to being a Blazer for life, why wouldn’t he just come out and say he’s staying?

The truth is, there’s a very good possibility he leaves. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the whispers are that Aldridge feels somewhat under-appreciated with an increased focus on Damian Lillard. That, and the undeniable truth that this franchise time as a contender could be approaching midnight, means this team could be reaching a turning point.

Obviously that depends on Aldridge, but the roster is in a state of flux. As many as eight players could become free agents this summer. Lillard is in line for a contract extension that could be worth $120 million over five years. Wesley Matthews is an unrestricted free agent coming off a major Achilles injury. Arron Afflalo is set to test the free agency market and Aldridge’s frontcourt mate Robin Lopez may do the same.

The Blazers may have already reached their ceiling and if Aldridge reaches that same conclusion, it’d be hard to fault him for wanting to move somewhere where he has a better shot at winning a title, especially since he’s already 30 years old.

That being said, Portland has been Aldridge’s home for the last nine years. I don’t doubt that he meant it when he said he wants to be the greatest Blazer ever, and he could add another year and an extra $28 million to his contract if he re-signed in Rip City.

There are also the positive signs and recent growth everyone saw out of C.J. McCollum and Meyers Leonard in the playoffs this year. When healthy, the Blazers had one of the best starting fives in the NBA. What this will come down to is whether or not Aldridge has faith that the current core will A) stay intact and B) be able to contend before his prime is done.

Next: No. 2